LUGOFF, S.C. — Friends, family, and veterans gathered in Kershaw County Wednesday for the 80th Anniversary of the first U.S. Army mass parachute drop to honor and remember those who served.
The first drop occurred 80 years ago on March 29, 1943, near the U.S. 1 crossing over the Wateree River.
"If you don't know your history, you're future is gonna be rough," Retired Major Theodore Podeweill said. He organized the event and wants those in the community to remember the significance it played in World War II.
"1943 on this day, a whole regiment jumped in this area as a part of an operation and had this operation failed, we wouldn't have had an airborne concept or element in the US Army," Podeweill said. "And as the proponents of the airborne concept, as they predicted, the paratroopers would be some of the best fighters the Army had. And that's what happened."
While it was a day of honor, Podeweill hopes the younger generation remembers those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
"For the young ones, they can see and get an idea what the military had to do during World War II, what sacrifices the soldiers went through," Podeweill said.
For those who want to see the monument, it's located at 643 Hwy US 1, in Lugoff, South Carolina.